Dr. Henry Donselman - Palms And Tropical Links

I could list a 100 "favorites" that I've stored on my browser - but . . . if somebody else has done it let's give them the credit. The website Virtual Palm Encyclopedia is not only fun, but Jody's links are pretty extensive as far as palms go.

I have a ton of interests - my wife, family, photography, computers, plant breeding, genetic engineering (yeh - I've done that), palms (of course), but I have a real love of Botanic gardens. With one "click" you can check out all the Arboretums and Botanical Gardens in the world. Take a trip around the world by checking out the following.

So you can't visit all of those Botanic Gardens? What if you had to just pick out one to visit. Tough Question . .Fairchild Tropical Gardens is right up there - the largest collection of palms in the new world and a great website. Missouri Botanical Garden was my "stomping" grounds when I was a student at Purdue and another great website.

Every few years a new book comes out that grabs you with the passion that an author has for plants. This book is new in 1998 and is based on a lot of personal experience and a wonderful love for plants. If you have a few spare dollars you should get this book. It's a fun read and a must have reference.

Some of us live in warm climates, some don't. Check out this website if you are interested in palm cold hardiness and how to grow these wonderful plants in cooler climates.

Thinking about opening a nursery? Are you looking for a commercial source of fresh palm, cycad, and other tropical seed. Check out Eric Anderson's web site. He's a great plant person and his grandfather, Horace Anderson, was considered the "father of horticulture" in California.

Some of us are "fan" (palm) addicts and willing to try and grow palms in some pretty amazing climates. Joe Bunnewith has a web site that is worth checking out if you live where "no palm dares to go!"

I get questions and email all the time from people who live in cool climates, but still want to recreate a little bit of paradise in there own yard. If Tom Walters can do it in Maryland, so can you!

Maybe you want to search for your own favorite Botanic Garden, plant, or whatever. Try the search engine below - its amazing what's out there . . .

Ever "spike" a palm tree? Its an environmentally friendly and "goof proof" method of applying palm fertilizer. Just make sure you use a spike that has been specially formulated for palms. I trialed and used the palm spikes from the Lutz Corporation and they perform as advertised. I suggest you check them out at http://www.lutzcorp.com/

The Palm Shop offers rare and exotic palms and tropicals by mailorder at great prices for inside your home, office, patio or even your yard.